Lovers of straightforward classic pop/rock should head to the Barking Spider (11310 Juniper Rd., 216.421.2863, ) Sunday, October 4, and catch L.A. troubadour Adam Marsland, currently on tour supporting his latest album, the 23-track Go West, which was released in August. It’s his first album of new studio material in five years although he hasn’t been inactive, working on projects like a tribute to Beach Boy Dennis Wilson.
Marsland earned a reputation among power-pop aficionados back in the mid-’90s with his group Cockeyed Ghost, which established him as a writer with a sharp melodic ear and knack for compelling, moving lyrics. With influences like the Beach Boys, the Raspberries, Big Star and Elton John, he quickly became a favorite among those for whom a good song, crisply performed, is the No. 1 value in rock music. Since then, like many artists, he has been a strictly D.I.Y. project, marketing his albums himself through the Internet but understanding that a bit of good, old-fashioned touring certainly helps.
Marsland’s not new to Cleveland pop fans. He’s made numerous appearances in Cleveland both with Cockeyed Ghost and by himself, at clubs like the Spider and the Grog Shop. He’s currently on tour with his “east-coast” band: drummer Jon Braun, bassist Teresa Cowles and keyboardist Charlie Zayleskie. He’ll be playing at 7:30 p.m. There’s no cover; the club passes the hat for the performers. — Anastasia Pantsios
